Azure Flame Reloaded

Unfortunately, no sooner do I get a blog than my router decides to behave erratically, preventing me from getting online with my usual computer. It could just be the heat, or it could be time for a new router, either way it means posting will be a lot more sporadic for the next few days.

Based on the obscure game series of the same name (as well as being an alternate universe precursor to Lyrical Nanoha), this four episode OVA tells the tale of Fiasse Crystera, the young headmistress of England’s Crystera School of Music. Fiasse is due an unspecified legacy from her mother, and in true villain style, not only are there antagonists interested in it, but they even send a message to broadcast their intentions so that the heroes can prepare in advance. Continue Reading »

It is a commonly known fact that every girl dreams of being sucked into another world where a fleet of bishounen eagerly wait to become her loyal protectors and eventually fall in love with her. Unfortunately, reports of this actually happening to anyone are few and far between, and so most must settle for vicariously watching these events befall animated characters on their TV or computer screens. Harukanaru Toki no Naka De: Hachiyou Shou (or, as I shall be calling it from now on, Haruka 8 ) is one such series, charting the adventures of destined heroine Akane Motomiya in the mystical land of Kyo. Continue Reading »

Rocket talks to Weed about the dogs they are heading across the (Japanese) Alps to recruit.

Rocket: Their leader is an impetuous yet ugly one year old named Kyoushiro- you may recognise his name from the OP. He also conveniently has 50 followers, random ugly dogs (probably brown) who shall add to our numbers.

Weed: Surely an important character, then- I can’t wait to meet him. Continue Reading »

The last three episodes have aired and so, as promised, the second part of my Haruhi Suzumiya rant has been brought into existence. The question before us at the end of the last rant boiled down to whether the series could pull out of its downward spiral, or whether it could pick up and end on a high note. Unfortunately, if not unpredictably, the former option turned out to be the case. Continue Reading »

The battle begins.

Jerome: I won’t let you lay a finger on Weed!

Rocket: We’re dogs, we don’t have fingers. Brothers, Triple Attack!

Missile and Jet attack from the right and left, injuring Jerome. Rocket goes for a frontal attack, but Jerome is ready for him.

Rocket: Old man, you may have switched to defence mode but you still took damage!

Jerome: Ah, but Rocket, I wasn’t in defence mode! Now you shall suddenly spurt blood and realise that you were injured! Continue Reading »

Picture the scene; you’ve been keeping up with the Utaware anime, but it wasn’t quite enough. You ventured onto forums discussing the game and decided that even the H-scenes and lengthy dialogue sections in a foreign language weren’t enough to dissuade you- it just had to be played. Unfortunately, the main game did not take overly long for its possibilities to be exhausted, and as the end credits rolled, you couldn’t help wondering just where your next Utaware fix was coming from. Well, fear not, for elusive as it is, another Utaware game does exist; an isometric scrolling beat-‘em-up featuring all of your favourite characters (click here for a video clip, download the game itself here).

In the manner of most beat-‘em-ups, the game itself is straightforward but fun, and for those that started out with the anime, nothing can quite beat the enjoyment of taking your favourite characters out for a spin. Unfortunately, information about this obscure little release is scattered and not easy to locate, so I’ve decided to compile my experiences with it into one comprehensive FAQ. Continue Reading »

Hougen’s minions drag the defeated and bloody bodies of John and Gin away; so much for God Mode.

Hougen: I may be evil and destined to be defeated, but for now I am powerful! Right, Reika darling?

He nuzzles an unwilling Reika. Meanwhile, a weakened Akame has met up with Weed and the others.

Akame: Enter Exposition Mode!

Akame explains the situation.

Jerome: If Gin is in trouble, we must mobilise straightaway. Continue Reading »

As the monster falls down to the river below, Weed uses special main character powers to ensure that it is impaled on a convenient tree spike whilst Ken and Kagetora are saved.

Ken: Wow, I really thought minor characters like us wouldn’t make it through that arc.

GB: Where’s Weed? How could you let the main character risk himself for you?

Ken: Don’t worry; I’m sure he’ll show up. Continue Reading »

Posted out of sequence; my very first rant, written way back when Jyu-oh-sei episode 4 had recently aired.

It’s hard to believe that a scant few weeks ago I thought Jyu-oh-sei had such potential. First it was reminiscent of Star Ocean 3, then it went the way of Jak III and Arc: Twilight of the Spirits, and then it reached a point where I just couldn’t be bothered to make videogame comparisons. Continue Reading »